What's the difference?

While they have different origins, natural and lab grown diamonds are remarkably similar in appearance and structure. Learn more about each to make an informed choice that suits your style and values.

Comparing Lab Grown & Natural Diamonds

What is a natural diamond?

Natural Diamonds

  • From the earth

    Deep within the earth's mantle, high pressure and heat formed diamond crystals from bonded carbon atoms. Eventually, volcanic eruptions pushed them upwards, about 100 miles beneath the earth's surface. This is why we call them nature's loveliest miracles.

  • Rare & finite

    A natural diamond’s rarity might be its most appealing characteristic. Only a finite number of natural diamonds exist in the world, making them a fitting symbol for your one-of-a-kind love.

  • Heirloom Value

    Natural diamonds tend to go up in value due to their rarity and demand. Most material possessions, with a few exceptions, depreciate; a well-cared for diamond is a fabulous asset that can be handed down generations.

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What is a lab grown diamond?

Lab Grown Diamonds

Explore the Lab Grown Diamond Guide

  • From Science

    Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that happen to be created in a lab. Using advanced technology in highly controlled environments, scientists are able to successfully replicate the natural diamond-making process within just a few months.

  • Real Diamonds

    Lab cgrown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds and they will test as diamond on a diamond tester.

  • More diamond for your budget

    Lab grown diamonds cost less than their natural counterparts of similar carat weights and quality, so you can size up while staying within your budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds created in a controlled environment using technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Lab-grown diamonds are made using two primary methods:

  • High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Mimics the natural conditions of diamond formation with high pressure and temperature.
  • Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Uses a gas mixture in a vacuum chamber to deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate, forming diamond layers.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, including hardness and brilliance.

How do lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of composition, appearance, and quality. The key differences are their origin and often lower cost.

Are lab-grown diamonds less valuable than natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds generally cost less than natural diamonds due to their more controlled production process. However, their value can vary based on factors such as size, quality, and market trends.

How can you tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond?

Most lab-grown diamonds require specialized equipment and expert analysis to differentiate them from natural diamonds. They can sometimes have unique growth patterns or inclusions, but these are often not visible to the naked eye.

Are lab-grown diamonds environmentally friendly?

Lab-grown diamonds are considered more environmentally friendly compared to natural diamond mining, which can have significant environmental impacts. Lab-grown diamonds reduce the need for mining and its associated ecological damage.

Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?

Lab-grown diamonds typically have lower resale values than natural diamonds. Their resale value can depend on factors such as market demand and the quality of the diamond. It's also important to note that most natural diamonds that the typical person buys do not have resale value either, it depends on carat size and quality. Usually only larger, high quality diamonds have resale value and their prices are usually out of the range

Do lab-grown diamonds come with certificates?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds usually come with certificates from gemological laboratories, which detail their characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, similar to natural diamonds.

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